Devastating Floods in Kashmir: The Human Impact of Climate Change

The recent heavy rains in Kashmir have led to devastating floods, transforming the region into a scene of widespread destruction. The Jhelum and Chenab rivers overflowed, causing severe damage to agricultural lands and infrastructure. Farmers and families in the Valley now face grim realities. Their fields, once lush with crops, are now submerged, leaving them in despair.

Take, for example, Bilal Ahmad Naik and Farooq Ahmad from Shopian. They watched as their prized ‘Kullu delicious’ apples spoiled, unable to be saved. Meanwhile, over 4,000 vehicles are stranded on the Srinagar-Jammu highway, a critical route that supports the economy. This highway closure disrupts the apple industry, which contributes around ₹10,000-12,000 crore annually and employs around 4 million people. For many farmers who poured their life savings into their crops, this situation is financially devastating.

The impact of these floods extends beyond agriculture. More than 12,000 kilometers of roads are damaged, hindering relief efforts. Economic losses in the fruit sector alone have surpassed ₹400 crore. In addition, around 9,000 evacuated residents have reported inadequate support from local authorities, leaving them feeling abandoned during this crisis.

Historical context adds weight to this situation. Similar floods occurred in 2014, highlighting a pattern in Kashmir’s climate crisis. Sheikh Waseem Raja, a local resident, has witnessed five floods in his lifetime, underlining the ongoing struggle against repeated natural disasters.

Kishtwar’s Chishoti hamlet also suffered, where cloudbursts destroyed the Machail Mata pilgrimage site. Tragically, 36 pilgrims lost their lives near the Vaishno Devi temple in Katra. These events illustrate the deep impact of climate change on Himalayan ecosystems and raise questions about preparedness and resilience.

As communities attempt to rebuild, it’s clear that more than just immediate relief is needed. Effective policies and sustainable practices must be prioritized to safeguard lives and livelihoods in the future. The voices of those affected, like the farmers and pilgrims, remind us of the human cost behind the statistics and government promises.

For further insight, you can explore reports on the economic impact of climate change in agriculture, such as those from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research or the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. These resources shed light on the challenges and potential paths for recovery.

In times like these, understanding the intersection of climate change and community resilience becomes critical. The stories of the people in Kashmir serve as powerful reminders of the need for proactive change.



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